Tosen Stardom Thriving Ahead of Cox Plate Campaign

Trainer Darren Weir is thrilled with the condition of Japanese import Tosen Stardom in the lead-up to a Spring Carnival campaign to be geared towards the 2016 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley in October.

Beginning his racing career under the guidance of Yasutoshi Ikee in his native Japan, Tosen Stardom has posted a commendable five wins and one minor through only sixteen competitive starts; highlighted by numerous stakes wins.

Tosen Stardom has reportedly taken well to his time at Weir’s Wangoom stables so far, and the trainer is confident the horse will figure as a serious chance of major success through the forthcoming Spring Carnival.

“He’s a beautiful horse,” Weir told Racing Ahead.

“He and Prince Of Penzance stretched their legs over half a mile (800m) this morning and both worked great. They’re both in fantastic order.

“He is a real standout-looking horse. I’m really excited to see where he ends up.

“Tosen Stardom and Prince Of Penzance will probably go to the Makybe Diva and then we’ll work it out which way we head from there.”

Winning the Group 3 Kisaragi Sho (1800m) in only his third career start in early 2014, Tosen Stardom failed to make much of an impact through his next two starts, but ended his debut season with another strong win in the Group 3 Challenge Cup (2000m).

Announcing himself to the Australian racing community with a strong run for second in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) in 2015, Tosen Stardom charged home for fifth in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) before returning to Japan for a hapless 12th in the Group 1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m).

Placing fifth in the Group 2 Mainichi Open (1800m) upon resuming in October, the Deep Impact stallion returned to winning form in the Cassiopeia Stakes (1800m) but failed to figure in three proceeding starts and was returned to the paddock.

Tosen Stardom currently figures as a $21 chance in early 2016 Cox Plate betting markets at Ladbrokes.com.au.